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In anticipation of a verdict in the Supreme Court case of Zubik v. Burwell, members of the Thomas Aquinas College community today launched a nine-day novena, praying for a favorable outcome in the College’s challenge of the HHS Contraceptive Mandate.

For the last five years, at the conclusion of every Mass in Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity Chapel, College chaplains have led the faithful in the recitation of the Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel in support of religious freedom. Beginning today, and continuing through the Baccalaureate Mass on May14, the congregation will say the Memorare after the Prayers of the Faithful.

In March, attorneys representing the College and its 34 co-plaintiffs presented oral arguments before the Court, after which the Justices requested supplemental briefs from both sides. Having filed those briefs on April 13 and reply briefs one week later, the litigants now await a decision, which the Court is expected to issue early this summer.

“We thank all the friends of Thomas Aquinas College who have kept us in their prayers over these last few years,” says President Michael F. McLean. “We now ask them to be even more vigilant in these last days. Please join us in seeking Our Lady’s intercession by praying the Memorare, each day for nine days, for a favorable ruling in this most important case.”

The Memorare:

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thine intercession was left unaided.

Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my mother; to thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me.

Amen.